Highwaymen and Bow Street Runners. Two historical groups of people that I had heard of but didn't know much about.  Now, after reading The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep, I know quite a bit more on the subjects thanks to her inclusion of both in the book.  I didn't realize the fact until after I read the book , but The Noble Guardian is the third book in the Bow Street Runners Trilogy. I didn't feel that I missed anything by starting with the third until I realized it was the third. Now, I'm wondering about the stories told previously so I'll definitely be adding the first to books to my list of books to read.  The historical details included in the book were fascinating, and as I mentioned before, helped me to learn about subjects that I truly knew very little about. The romance, the adventure, the hint of mystery-- all these combined to form an enjoyable book to read. However, I did not enjoy the violent descriptions. I am very sensitive to violence and felt that some of the descriptions were a little too intense for me. However, that is just my opinion. If you are not so sensitive to violence, then you probably would be perfectly fine with the descriptions. 

I recommend this book for those who enjoy historical fiction, romances, and adventure.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

It was hard for me to get into this book. The plot was interesting, enough action to hold my interest, but I couldn't warm to the two main characters. For two people being attracted to each other they didn't really show each other their attraction, especially not in their dialogue, until close to the end of the novel.

A Christian regency romance with Cinderella overtones!

I really enjoyed this storyline. Abigail Gilbert, daughter of a wealthy merchant from a previous marriage, spurned and bullied by her stepmother, is to begin a new life as the wife of a handsome Baron. Her dreams are finally coming true. Abby's head is full of the wonderful life she will have with her husband-to-be. After all, to offer for her hand after one meeting surely must mean the Baron is in love with her? Sigh! All her dreams will surely come true! The fact that her stepmother sends her off with no company but her maid and the driver, on a trip of many days through sparse and dangerous countryside did seem harsh, but Abigail was not to be deterred.
A group of horse patrol Bow Street runners, under Captain Samuel Thatcher, have been pursuing a gang of cut throat highwaymen with a vicious leader, Shankhart Robbins, operating on Hounslow Heath.
Samuel and Abby cross paths on the Heath when Samuel rescues Abby from an attack by part of Shankhart's gang.
Samuel pondered, "Who in their right mind had sent them out on their own? Allowed them to travel without a manservant? Without any kind of protection whatsoever?" A very good question. Why had neither her family or the Baron not seen to her safety?
After some tense happenings, Samuel agrees to act as a Guardian for the rest of Abbey's journey to the home of her betrothed. Of course the plot becomes far more complex and both Abby and Samuel are severely tested along the way by the situations they meet.
Abby's journey really becomes a pilgrimage for them both, filled with challenges, misunderstandings, and danger, supplemented by moments of empathy, self realization, enlightenment and grace.
Both lead characters are strong people, survivors, already tested by their pasts. They are both equally fascinating, having been trained up in the school of hard knocks and disillusionment.
I was quite comfortable with the way Abby and Samuel's faith was integrated into the plot. I felt their beliefs were appropriately portrayed without being preachy and without being imposed over the story line. All flowed quite naturally out of the events they experienced.
I enjoyed this novel enough to decide to read previous novels in this series.

A Barbour ARC via NetGalley

If you haven't read any of the novels in the Bow Street Runners series, you are in for a treat! I wasn't sure if I could read each as a stand alone, so I started at book one an began a thrilling ride of romance and adventure with these courageous Runners. I'm having a difficult time picking a favorite...Brentwood's Ward and The Noble Guardian were slightly more enjoyable for me than The Innkeeper's Daughter. I discovered Michelle Griep while reading the Daughter's of the Mayflower series and am I ever glad that I did! I have read many of her novels since then and she has quickly become an author I am confident will tell me a fantastic story I will have a hard time putting down. The Noble Guardian did have me reading long into the night, well past the time I should have put the story down. I really enjoyed the main characters and the exciting plot and thought Samuel was a swoon-worthy hero. I would recommend the entire Bow Street series to those who enjoy historical romance.

The Noble Guardian will be available for purchase from your local or online book retailer June 1, 2019.

Thank you Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for the free copy of The Noble Guardian. The opinions expressed here are my own.

The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep follows a young woman who is neglected by her family as she makes her way across the country, towards her new husband who she has dances with once. However, the road is quite perilous with highwayman, and one handsome rugged lawman comes to her aid... and more trouble arises. Wink wink. Ok, there is VERY real trouble, but tbh I lived for this very slow burn romance. It seems to me Michelle Griep’s writing grows with each novel. Not that her first novels are bad, far from it, but they’re just getting better! This time, there were many suprises for me, you think you know how the plot will go but there are some twists and turns that leave you guessing!

Also, the characters were phenomenol. Abby struggles with her past of mental abuse and if she believes in God after what she’s been through. She is very feisty and when she set her mind to something, she’ll do everything to achieve it. She has set a higher goal for herself, to be happy, to be self sufficient, which is what drives her through most of the books. To leave things in God’s hand is a bit of a struggle for her, though she accepts it more than our rugged lawman Samuel. He is weary of his job and wants to find peace. Until he finds Abby... I love how he takes her seriously and sees her not as a feeble woman, but as a person. And the main antagonist is truly very creepy! There are other creeps though that would be a spoiler, but it’s very well done. And there’s a little girl that is just extremely cute and I want to cuddle her (see, there’s a suprise you wouldn’t expect already lol!).

All in all, it is a very well written historical romance, with lots of action and feels. I very much enjoyed reading it and I suspect I will be rereading it soon in final version when it comes out (that cover is so gorgeous!!). The only thing I disliked is that the characters heard the voice of God a few times, I really dislike when that happens but it was only like 3 times so I can live with it lol!

I received a free ebook from netgalley (thanks sooo much!) in exchange for an honest opinion.

I was wondering when I started this book if it would do the action as part of the story or as a side plot. I thought it was well woven into the story with the characters. I enjoyed hearing about highwaymen and the men that tried to catch them. It was a story that I enjoyed very much.

Abby has lived a Cinderella-pre-ball sort of life - the unwanted stepdaughter who is always being maltreated in various ways, though with the difference that outwardly she has been looked after and is therefore expected to feel grateful. But now she is betrothed to a handsome baronet whom she met in London - at one ball. Glad to shake the dust of her home off her feet, she is excited and hopeful about her upcoming marriage. But her stepmother ensures that she has no escort but her maid, and when they are attacked by highwaymen, it is only the opportune arrival of Samuel that saves her from the proverbial fate worse than death. Samuel has been a Runner for ten years and is fed up with his job - always seeing the most evil side of human nature is wearing on him. He stays only because he has not yet saved quite enough to buy a farm. But when he is forced to leave the area following a threat to his life, and Abby offers him a considerable reward for seeing her safely to her betrothed's house, the two begin on a journey together that will change them both...

This is an author I always enjoy, and this book was no exception. A pair of thoroughly determined (we won't say stubborn) characters who must work together whether they want to or not, a delightful baby/toddler (I loved Emma), and a desperate villain who is out for blood - what more could one want? On top of that, the writing is good, the overall storyline well crafted, the ending highly satisfying, and the content clean (where there was violence, it was never described particularly graphically). My one quibble would be that Samuel seemed to get out of nasty situations a bit too easily at times - but it was no big deal. Note that, though part of a series, it is fine to read alone - I believe I have read the earlier books, but it was a while ago and I don't particularly remember the stories (I'll have to go back and read them again now). Recommended - 4.5 stars.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

A quick moving, "can't put it down" conclusion to an excellent regency series. Abby grabbed my heart from the very beginning as a humble, genuine, heroine. Started to remind me of Cinderella. Don't let her humility fool you though; she's a spitfire who is perfectly capable of standing up for herself. Enter Samuel in one of my favorite introductory scenes. From that point on, a delightful push and pull relationship builds. Abby’s ability to see the best in people breaks down the rough and tough exterior of Samuel and I couldn’t help but cheer them on, even knowing she was betrothed to another. I enjoyed the glimpses at previous characters and enjoyed that the focus truly remained on Abby and Samuel. Michelle Griep is a master at Regency stories and perfectly blends romance and intrigue in this tale.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Michelle Griep is quickly becoming one of my favorite regency authors with her sense of humor and beautiful way she incorporates spiritual truths. This book had me laughing and cheering the protagonist all the way. This definitely won’t disappoint you.

Full disclosure: I haven’t read the first two books in this series. This novel is good, but it didn’t blow me away like the author’s "The Captured Bride" did. It really felt like it needed a good editing job, lots of repeat words and phrases that kept jumping out at me, and the characters were a little too predictable, a little too perfect. I may have enjoyed it more if I’d started with the first book in the series. That said, it’s still worth reading for the trip back in time and place.

The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep is the third book in the Bow Street Runners trilogy. It's a great read full of action, adventure and romance. When Abby sets out on a cross-country journey to marry a man of high esteem. She never expects to have her life threaten by highway men. She hires Samuel Thatcher to get her to new future, not knowing the danger they will be in. Many surprises along the way. An exciting story with some interesting plot twists. I love Michelle's writing. She keeps you turning the pages to see what will happen next. A wonderful conclusion to this series. Looking forward to her next book.

I received this book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

When I think of a road trip novel, I think contemporary. But Michelle Griep busted all of those notions with this 19th c. English novel of a gruff horse patrol captain guarding a lady and a baby (neither of whom belong to him) from inn to inn across dangerous countryside.

Despite the fact that Captain Thatcher is escorting Miss Gilbert to the manor of her betrothed, as you'd expect, they grow to care for one another as they survive discomfort and peril.

All together an enjoyable read with a satisfying ending! I have not yet read the previous two books in the series, and this one can stand alone quite nicely.

This book kept me up late reading this past week, because the story line is excellent and the characters have depth.
If you are looking for a hero to admire and be enchanted with, Samuel is your man. I could feel the bullets whiz by, and feel the skull blows as he wrestled with outlaws. This book does not disappoint!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2816284109?book_show_action=false

The Innkeeper's Daughter still retains its place as my favorite book in this trilogy, but Samuel and Abigail's story is nice.

I felt really bad for Abigail while Samuel was a little bit more of a mystery to me. I mean, that's the point, but it kept me from connecting as much with him and his story. In fact, there was that bit about his sister that never got answered. I just realized that! It's not major to the story but would have been nice to know.

Probably my favorite aspect of this book was when Wenna talks to Abigail about finding assurance in God's love first and foremost before anyone else, otherwise she will never be fulfilled!! That is a truth that is sadly lacking in today's world and in our books, so THANK YOU, Michelle, for making it so clear!

The Noble Guardian is a great conclusion to this series. I loved this book! In this book, the reader meets Abigail. Abigail has been raised by her father and stepmother. Her stepmother dislikes her immensely. They have found someone who wants to marry her and send her to marry him. She is excited to start out on this journey and get away from her family. She quickly falls into danger and realizes maybe this is going to be harder than she thinks. Samuel is a lawman and he comes to Abigail’s aid. He agrees to help get her to her next stop and find someone who can help her to her betrothed. Samuel has his own problems with a gang who is after him. As more problems occur, Samuel ends up taking Abigail himself. Their journey is long and eventful. I highly recommend this book and promise you will not be disappointed! If you enjoy historical Christian fiction, this book is for you!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

Romance, danger, and a handsome guardian thrown in to the mix. What a good story with like able characters except for a few. I enjoyed the story And really like this author

The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep is Christian Historical Fiction. It is always a pleasure to read a book full of Christian truths, principles and historical facts. Adventure, action, clean romance, and the historical details of Bow Street Runners, Medical care, arduous travel are all included in this exciting book. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about travel and law enforcement in that time period. It is always refreshing to read how the characters Christian Faith affected their lives. I have enjoyed each book in this series and hope to read more by Michelle Griep.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book.

“The Noble Guardian” by Michelle Griep is the conclusion to The Bow Street Runners trilogy. Abigail Gilbert is a young woman who has lived with her father, his second wife and her two daughters. She is unloved and used more like a servant than a daughter. She is delighted when she finds that a nobleman has asked for her hand in marriage and that her father agrees. She is to travel to her intendeds ancestral home with only her maid and a driver. When highwaymen attack her coach, these circumstances require her to travel alone except for the carriage driver, she enlists horse patrol captain Samuel Thatcher.

Captain Thatcher is close to retiring from the patrol. All he wants is to settle on his own property and raise horses. He reluctantly accepts the position because Abby offers him money from her intended if he will see her to his home. Along the way, we are entertained by the repartee between these two strong-willed people.

After she is delivered to her “beloved”, she finds that all is not so rosy after all. Her father has in fact “sold” her to this debauched man. Now her problem is to find a way out of this cursed mess she’s in. However, never underestimate Abigail Gilbert.

I enjoyed reading this novel and was glad that I was granted a download of this novel by NetGalley.com in return for my honest review.

An exciting conclusion to the Bow Street Runners series! This is one epic road trip in Regency era England when ruthless highwaymen lurked in the shadows waiting to attack helpless travelers. Enter the enigmatic Captain Samuel Thatcher, the strong silent type hero, hired to guard a determined young woman hoping for a bright future, and wait for it...a baby. They have quite an adventure before it is all over!

Plenty of action scenes and some suspense moved the story along between frequent stops on the way. Captain Thatcher epitomized the sacrificial, stoic warrior type lawman. He was awesome and flawed at the same time. Like a John Wayne or Gregory Peck type western hero, but in a Regency setting. Getting to know and understand the characters' backgrounds as the journey progressed added depth to the plot, and made me empathize with them. Both main characters seemed so lonely under it all and unloved, adding to their lapse in faith. A lot of pride and preconceived ideas based on their pasts seemed to make them mistrustful, and think they had to be totally independent. I liked how they both began to pray and seek God's help in their difficult situations. The romance began to pick up after that, with some awkward tension building up. I was anxious to see how it would all play out, and enjoyed the wrap up.

Readers who enjoy historical adventure type romances with some faith, would probably like this. This can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading the whole series! 4.5 stars

The Noble Guardian is a stirring conclusion to Michelle Griep’s Bow Street Runners Trilogy. I love the characters that she created - sweet but strong, Abigail Gilbert and stern but fiercely committed, Samuel Thatcher. Throw a baby in the midst and you have a sweet story that will keep you turning pages in order to take the journey across the heath with this trio. You won't be disappointed.

~ While this book was provided for free, I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review. The pleasure was mine. (2019)